Here’s another one of my favorite Roger Ebert reviews that is suffused with empathy: Trees Lounge, the writing and directing debut of Steve Buscemi. Roger, who was a recovering alcoholic when he wrote this, writes about dive bar culture so perceptively. www.rogerebert.com/reviews/tree... - ThreadSky

mattzollerseitz.bsky.social • 42 days ago

Here’s another one of my favorite Roger Ebert reviews that is suffused with empathy: Trees Lounge, the writing and directing debut of Steve Buscemi. Roger, who was a recovering alcoholic when he wrote this, writes about dive bar culture so perceptively. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/trees-lounge-1996

Comments

brianwooley.bsky.social•42 days ago

That’s a favorite of mine as well. It really helped me look at myself in a different way.

beec4240.bsky.social•42 days ago

as an alcoholic (7 years sober) this line ran especially true:

"Drunks always think that if they could fix all the things that are
wrong, then they could stop drinking. It never occurs to them to stop drinking first."

dajbro.bsky.social•42 days ago

Oh damn, that hits close to home...

smarxy.bsky.social•42 days ago

Ebert has kind of been my "north star" on film, whenever I truly love or hate a film I love reading his take on it. Even if we disagree I usually understand where he's coming from. A real gem example of what a critic can be to a medium.

ewingweb.bsky.social•41 days ago

Read it when it came out and not since. Boy that is good writing

jefffolmsbee.bsky.social•42 days ago

I interviewed him for a local arts show special on NYC indie cinema while he happened to be putting this film to bed & have never met a human being more sleep-deprived, pale-faced & mentally fried as he. Locking picture is hard to do!

& such a great film came of it, a sweet, authentic & dark film.

mclengthyname.bsky.social•42 days ago

Hadn't read this one before. Excellent piece. Man, I miss having him around.

jamesknode.bsky.social•42 days ago

Bought the DVD of that movie when it first came out. A subtle masterpiece that reveals the depth of Buscemi's abundant talent.

speedymcgrifty.bsky.social•42 days ago

That was terrific. Thank you for sharing.

yanygal.bsky.social•42 days ago

I try to see every one of Steve Buscemi's films as he is one of my favorite actors. He's kind of in the same class as John Turturro, another great actor.

tellmeastory314.bsky.social•42 days ago

Beautifully written. I used to read his weekly column and thought he was a fantastic writer.

I interned at the station where he and Gene Siskel recorded their show. I used to stand in the wings and watch. To this day I’m happy that nobody ever asked me to leave.

otherjimdonahue.bsky.social•42 days ago

A friend was a P.A. on that -- and the actual bar was close to where I lived in the mid-'80s. (I never visited, though.)

nostalgiakinky.bsky.social•42 days ago

I have such fond memories of seeing this at The KY Theater in Lexington when it came out. Stunning film.

Comments

Posting Rules

Reply